Livestock Farm Monitor Project

Livestock Farm Monitor Project Report 2014/15

Victorian livestock farm profitability increased from 2013/14 to 2014/15 according to the latest Livestock Farm Monitor report. Average return on assets increased from 1.8% in 2013/14 to 2.1% in 2014/15. Additionally, gross farm income increased from $569/ha to $633/ha, return on equity increased from
0.6% to 1.5% and earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) increased from $42/ha to $133/ha.

The increased profitability was mainly a result of increased commodity prices, in particular beef. Stocking rates were slightly higher and there was an increase in beef, lamb and wool production per hectare. While beef prices rose dramatically in the second part of the financial year, financial performance
did not increase as much. This was due to timing of sales generally occurring before the prices rose, but also below average seasonal conditions. Long term average rainfall over all participants is 685mm, while an average of only 532mm was received in 2014/15. Subsequently, producers spent more on supplementary
feed and agistment than in the previous year.

The Livestock Farm Monitor Project analyses the financial performance of participating livestock farms across Gippsland, South West and Northern Victoria, delivered jointly by the department and Rural Finance.

The project has a 40 year history in Victoria, providing decades of livestock farm performance information and comparative data for the livestock industry, Government, and researchers to make improved planning and management decisions.

The project's report details the financial and production performance of participating livestock farms and recognises geographic and industry trends. The data is independent and rigorous and does not identify participating farms.

The report gives livestock farmers the opportunity to make objective comparisons against similar farms in their own region. These comparisons can identify areas where farmers can potentially make improvements that can lead to increased efficiencies

Livestock Farm Monitor Project Report 2013/14

Overall Victorian livestock farm profitability increased from 2012/13 to 2013/14 according to the latest Livestock Farm Monitor report. Average return on assets doubled from 1% in 2012/13 to 2% in 2013/14. Additionally, gross farm income increased from $484/ha to $569/ha, return on equity increased
from -1% to 1% and earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) increased from $9/ha to $42/ha.

The increased profitability was mainly a result of improved seasonal conditions. This allowed an increase in stocking rates and more beef, lamb and wool production per hectare, as well as reduced expenditure on supplementary feeding and agistment. Increased lamb and beef prices also contributed
to improved performance, although wool prices remained soft. The improvement in profitability was seen across all regions.

Summaries of results for recent years of the project

After good prices and seasonal conditions in 2010/11, the 2011/12 year saw a softening of commodity prices and more challenging seasonal conditions, particularly in the South West. Accordingly, livestock farm operating profit was lower compared to the previous year. Even so, the average operating profit
reported in 2011/12 of $144/effective hectare was higher than two years ago which highlights how exceptional the 2010/11 year was.

The Livestock Farm Monitor Project analyses the performance of 110 livestock farming operations across Victoria. Profitability and production information at the whole farm and enterprise level is reported on. A total of 63 wool, 61 prime lamb and 69 beef cattle enterprises from across Gippsland, North
East and South West Victoria participated in the 2010-2011 project.

The Livestock Farm Monitor Project analyses the performance of 109 livestock farming operations across Victoria. Profitability and productivity information at the whole farm and enterprise level is reported on. A total of 69 wool, 65 prime lamb and 66 beef cattle enterprises from across Gippsland,
North East and South West Victoria participated in the 2009-2010 project.

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